Bwakaw

Rene spends his twilight years in a quiet routine, with Bwakaw as his sole companion. He is haunted by the prospect of growing old alone and has already written a will, labeling his few possessions for his friends.

Rene finally comes out of the closet at age 70, choosing honesty and self-acceptance in a world that may resist him. The revelation puts him on a new personal path as he seeks companionship and connection in his later years. The moment is challenging but opening.

He labels his possessions and writes a will that leaves his few belongings to a small circle of friends. He has even paid for a coffin during a funeral home Summer Sale, signaling a preemptive acceptance of his own death. The mood is practical, yet tinged with looming mortality.

Bwakaw is diagnosed with cancer, and Rene is deeply affected by the dog's worsening health. He becomes determined to find a cure and fights to get Bwakaw the care he needs. The bond between man and dog deepens as illness threatens their routine.

Sol, a tricycle driver, helps Rene bring Bwakaw to the vet and gradually befriends the pair. His presence offers Rene a new form of companionship and practical support. Through Sol, Rene begins to feel less alone.

Buoyed by Sol's friendship, Rene starts to live again and discovers simple joys he had forgotten. He even has his hair dyed to look younger, signaling a willingness to embrace change. The small pleasures become a counterbalance to his fear of death.

Rene decides to make a move on Sol and reveals that he is gay. The revelation surprises and disgusts Sol, who rejects Rene and leaves in anger. The moment marks a painful test of Rene's new openness.

As Bwakaw's health deteriorates, Rene's efforts to save him intensify, but even the Santo Entierro statue cannot stop the illness. The dog remains a stubborn link to life and companionship that Rene fears losing.

Bwakaw dies, and Rene is supported by his neighbors in the burial. The loss hits him hard, yet it also deepens his sense of belonging to a community. The dog's death becomes a turning point for his outlook.

Bwakaw's death triggers a shift in Rene's perspective, and he starts to value life and ordinary moments more than the earlier fear of dying. He decides to unpack the things he has already willed to others and make his house more inhabitable to stay. The house begins to feel more livable as he plans to stay.

With a renewed appreciation, Rene continues to experience simple joys and rebuilds his daily routine. He slowly reintegrates into life and cherishes the companionship he has found, even after the loss of Bwakaw.

Rene remains alive and quietly hopeful, having learned that companionship and small moments matter more than the fear of death. He has adjusted his plans and chosen to keep living with a lighter heart.